If you like the flavor and smoothness of Jameson's, you'll probably like Glenfiddich. The 12-year and 15-year are both quite nice, but given how the latter is a $75 bottle of booze, I would suggest trying it the way I did: find yourself two other Scotch aficionados, and split the bill.

I hope to try the 18-year or 21-year at some point, but that might require a fourth highbrow Scotch drinker to show up, and right now my social circle ain't got one.

As I wrote in dymt, Knob Creek is a great bourbon that's widely available, and imho is more flavorful than the other common ones (Wild Turkey, Makers, etc.). Willet is a really nice premium bourbon, which is much smoother and more flavorful than most. Blantons is also nice.

I'm a huge fan of Laphroaig 10 (also cask strength) and Bowmore 12, but then I'm a peat-smoke freak. I find that Caol Ila 12 is really growing on me as well. Bruichladdich are creative... hell, /any/ Islay will get my vote!

You might look into Highland Park, which is an excellent non-smoky dram, more of a "summertime" Scotch. I'm also partial to Balvenie Double Wood, and GlenDronach is highly underrated.

Knob Creek is sounding very good. The bourbon suggestions I am getting are all reasonably priced and available in my grocery, so those will be easy enough (although I might have to go with the Maker's Mark gift set just for the extra goodies).

Scotch is a different story. Definitely a jump in price on those. I do love the flavor and smoothness of Jameson, so I'd like to try Glendiddich (but again, it carries a significant premium over Jameson, Knob Creek, and Maker's). I might have to bug some friends when I'm home for the holidays before I get a chance to try another scotch.

EDIT: similar but side note, has anyone tried Crystal Head vodka? I caught sight of some, and even though it's pretty steep (almost $50), I'm tempted to grab one just for the bottle.

I'm a huge fan of Laphroaig 10 (also cask strength) and Bowmore 12, but then I'm a peat-smoke freak. I find that Caol Ila 12 is really growing on me as well. Bruichladdich are creative... hell, /any/ Islay will get my vote!

You might look into Highland Park, which is an excellent non-smoky dram, more of a "summertime" Scotch.

Just half way through a bottle of 12 year old. A pretty good deal these days at $68 Can. The 18 year old is very very fine but pricey.

My goodness this beer is good. I have it chilled to right around 32 degrees. It is voluptuous in flavor, but not at all heavy or overwhelming; rather, I'd say it's perfectly balanced over a broad range. It's smooth, creamy, and yet effervescent. It is ever so slightly tart. It finishes with a mild carryover much like a Merlot. In fact, I recommend it in a wine glass with just a 5 or 6 ounce pour. A pint of this would be overkill and would probably build too much on the tongue; in small sips it is exquisite.